August 25th, 2010
I have known Alice Klein for so many years now. I always remind her that I am such a loyal customer having bought a lot of her jewelry for myself, as well as for many of my friends. I have also come to know her husband, Bryant Clark, also a jeweler. This couple works together 24/7.
I wrote a post on 9/3/09 about T.K.O. and if you would like to read it, please click on the month of September on the left hand of this blog, under Archives and scroll down to the date. In it there is more information on this unique jeweler.
T.K.O. is located on 100 Atlantic Ave., # 6 & 7, Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-539-6992. Cell phone is 302-841-9088. Website is www.tkodirect.com and the e-mail is tkodirect@verizon.net.
It is true when they say that if your job is your passion, you will never work a day in your life.
You can tell Alice is into her work; plastics, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold, gold filled and silver are the materials she utilizes to make unique pieces of jewelry, recognized by the ones that know her creations.
She has been in busines for 30 years and I consider her designs to have that edge that set them apart from the ordinary.
I stopped the other day to get a present and she had so many pretty new designs. I have said it before, that the pictures and even the website do not do justice to her pieces. You have to visit the store to get the full effect.
Alice loves her custom work. Customers are known to bring their outdated jewelry and Alice will give them a “face lift”.
She has beautiful pearls and a great collection of color stones.
At T.K.O. you will find just a little something for yourself for as low as $18 or you can just splurge and spend into the thousands.
Most of all, I think Alice and Bryant, are known for the individualized attention offered the moment you step into their store.
Alice and Bryant; a couple that has been able to work together for so many years also find time to play together, as well. What do they like to do? Extreme kite surfing.
Here is a peek to some of their pieces.
 Natural color fresh water pearls, wrapped in multi-colors of 14kt gold (rose, yellow, white, green) 
 "Porcupine Necklace" Natural fresh water green pearls, enhanced, with detachable clasp.  Another "Porcupine Necklace"  Tahitian Pearls
Have a great Day!! It feels like Fall!! Talk to you later….
August 18th, 2010
“Saving the world one foot at a time.”
The foot contains more bones than any other single part of the body; it is also very vulnerable.
The oldest leather shoe was found in 2008 in Armenia. It is 5,500 years old.
If The Shoe Fits, yes it brings back memories. I wrote a paper all about shoes in college. I have always liked shoes. I don’t know if it is the instant gratification of trying them on or just the fact that it does not matter if you are fat, skinny, poor or rich; you can always find a pair that will suit you fine.
I stopped at Just Comfort Shoes the other day to see if they carried a brand of shoes that I found in Boulder, Colorado a few months ago. Jambu is the name of this brand. This brand of shoes outsoles are made with partially recyclable and reusable rubber. They are comfortable, and stylish; not too rugged and not too dressy. The one I bought was a clog, but they also make other styles, as well. They do carry this brand at the store, so if you have tried them and liked them now you know where to go.
Just Comfort Shoes has 2 locations in Rehoboth: 237 Rehoboth Ave., tel. 302-227-2520, and 18756 Coastal Highway (shopping center where Starbucks is located), tel. 302-645-6590. You will also find them at The Avenue at White Marsh in Baltimore, Maryland, tel. 410-931-4296.
The owner of the store is Sharon Lee. The website is www.justcomfortshoes.com and they are also on Facebook.
Having said all this I want let you know that I have to be honest with you. In college I wore clogs and I loved them. I also wore the highest platforms of the time. I guess I am dating myself. I loved both styles. I am not sure when I saw the first Dansko clogs and Birkenstocks but my thoughts were that there was no way I was wearing them. I thought they looked good on someone else’s foot; not mine. Too big, too wide, too earthy, maybe?
Never say never, right? I have them all. They are comfortable, what can I say? With the Birkenstocks, I prefer one particular style, but it is all a matter of preference.
Just Comfort Shoes has come a long way since they first opened. They have so many brands for men, women and children. Some of them are made in Austria, others in Germany and, can you believe it?, some here in the U.S.
The store on Rt. 1 has plenty of parking. The one in Rehoboth, you will have to drive around but soon enough the town will be slowing down a bit and parking meters will be out.
I think Just Comfort Shoes has the largest selection at the Delaware Beaches of the following brands: Birkenstock, Dansko, Keen, Earth, Jambu, Vibram Fivefingers, Teva, Mephisto, Finn Comfort, Think!, Sanita, Sanuk, Poliwalks, Acorn, Taos. Also, they have just gotten the Minnetonka Moccasins in very pretty colors.
Sharon keeps updating the stores and a selection of boots has just arrived.
Guess what? Sharon also speaks Spanish.
Have a great rainy day!!! Talk to you later….
August 15th, 2010
Discovering new beach towns!! It has been a lot of fun. Last week I stayed in Atlantic Beach, but right next to it, in the next block is Neptune Beach.
I found a cluster of shoppes at 200 First Street. There are 7 businesses located at this location. What’s unique about it, is that they are all own and operated by women.
Some of these women have been born and raised in this community. Yes, those locals and natives I have talked about in past posts. They contribute to the community by working together and they support each other.
If you find yourselves in this area on a Friday night stop by because there will be music in the courtyard until October from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.
I spent time checking Red Daisy, one of the stores at 200 First Street. The owner? Tracy Raymond. The address is 201 Lemon Street, Suite 304, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. Tel. 904-339-0137. E-mail thereddaisy@comcast.net.
At first I thought it was just for outdoor decor, you know patio, etc. etc. As I came in I discovered that there is so much more. Actually, the store is pretty big.
Tracy was so nice and full of information. She is a native and this store reflects her passion for antiques; Florida vintage items and the contemporary designs, as well. She likes to mix things up.
The stores has paintings, flower arrangements, linens, towels, jewelry and those vintange items I have been mentioning.
During the 1940’s and 1950’s it was a time when the U.S. interstate system came about. People took to the roads and states wanted to capitalized on tourism. They made easily packable souvenirs. One such souvenir was a tablecloth that showed the tourist areas of that particular state. Those vintage tablecloths are now sought after.
Red Daisy has several of them. One that caught my attentions was all in red with the alligators around the edge. Others have different colors. Some people use them as such, frame them or even make pillows out of them if they are not in the best condition.
Here, have a peek to Red Daisy – classic, home, fun.
The Beaches Town Center is the heart of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach. It is where Atlantic Boulevard meets the ocean and just 12 miles east of downtown Jacksonville. It is a pedestrian friendly area, full of restaurants and shops; a destination appealing to tourists, locals and natives.
If you want to know what’s going on, please visit www.beachestowncenter.com.
Have a great day!!!!
August 10th, 2010
Anything Goes is located at the Village by the Sea, right on Rehoboth Avenue. The telephone is 302-227-2960. The owner is Joan Thompson.
This post is for women only and this store is different from the rest. It seems like at times, when you go out everyone looks the same. Anything Goes has very beautiful and unique pieces of clothing, shoes, bags, and great jewelry.
I was talking to Susan who works for Anything Goes. She showed me some shirts and jackets in beautiful colors but still black will make its presence in the Fall as a predominant color.
So let me give a peek to Anything Goes.
 
Anything Goes has been around for 22 years, and definitely has a following.
Have a great day and talk to you later….
July 30th, 2010
You better take your appetite and dancing shoes. This event is for the entire family. It is the 21st Annual Greek Festival sponsored by St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Tel 410-524-0900.
The Festival will take place: Friday and Saturday Noon until 11 p.m., Sunday Noon until 9 p.m. There is an admission fee. Location: Ocean City Convention Center located at 40th St. and the Bay.
Expertly prepared tradional Greek cuisine – mousaka, pastsitso, stuffed grape leaves, baklava; made by professional Yiayias (Greek Grand Mammas).
Food will be served all day starting at Noon. And, carry out is available, as well.
There will be vendors featuring original and reproduction art, jewelry and clothing. Raffle tickets available. Greek band after 5 p.m. Traditional dance performances by the Hellenics.
Sounds like a good time!!! I hope Harry and Linda are reading my blog today. Talk to you later…
July 11th, 2010
I have been attending a few weddings. Yes, some of my friends’ children are getting married. Time really flies by. It was only yesterday when a lot of us would be running to Epworth Pre-school or Giant Step, here in Rehoboth Beach, where those children grew up.
But wait a minute, I do have more than a few friends with grandchildren too. I had not thought about that, but it is true.
How do I envision what a grandparent should look like? No, no, the image of grandparents today is so completely different; far from the rocking chair of yesterday. Active, fun and energetic; they are the ones buying for the children. So, maybe this post is for them.
I found myself walking through the Village by the Sea complex in downtown Rehoboth on Friday and I saw Gayle. She was just coming out from a children’s boutique called The Lilypad. I was wondering what she was doing there. Well, she works there and has been for the past 3 years. She has 2 grandchildren and you know where her paycheck is going; working in a children’s store. I could not help but to come in and check it out since this information will be valuable to those new grandparents.
The Lilypad is located at 149 Rehoboth Ave., Village by the Sea, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-4464. The website is www.lilypadchildrensboutique.com. You can also find them on Facebook. Please note that you are not able to order yet from the website. Lilypad will special order and ship.
The owner of the store is Lily Gosnear. On most days, you can find Gayle there, as well.
As you come in, you cannot help but smile; colorful and full of children’s apparel, blankets, shoes, toys, boots, Vineyard Vines for Children and gifts.
Lilypad is well known for their Christening gowns. This store carries a large inventory of the gowns for that special day.
One item that caught my attention was these Snap Caps, started by 2 girls who have revolutionized the bottle cap and the magnet. They took bottle caps and placed artistic impressions inside; glitter, rhinestones, magnet on the back and a craze started. They also have slides and chokers. Sold in over 700 stores nationwide!!
They are targeting the “tween” market. Tweens are “in between” the traditional child and teenage stages of development.
Ayway, the store is very cute and now you know where to go to buy that special gift for that child in your life.
Have a great Sunday!! The beaches are crowded….and we love it!!
June 18th, 2010
I have a friend, and her name is Trish. The othe day we took off and went on a road trip that pretty much ended at J. Conn Scott. She is fairly new to the area so I was giving her my undivided tour.
J.Conn Scott has its Main Showroom at 6 East Church St., Selbyville, DE, 19975. Tel. 302-436-8205. Website: www.jconnscott.com.
On fashionable, Baltimore Ave., in Rehoboth Beach, they have a “Showhouse”. The address is 27 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-3780.
J. Conn Scott is a family business. They were established in 1924. A solid reputation, customer service, and the best furniture available has made this company what it is today.
Their main showroom in Selbyville is massive; huge. You can fine furniture from traditional to coastal. Rugs, accesories, art, antiques, vases, lamps are part of the many items available for all our decorating needs.
The “Showhouse” in Rehoboth is beautiful, as well. It gives the visitors to the Rehoboth area ideas and inspirations. Richard changes that “Showhouse” every Tuesday.
I really can talk about this company with ease because years ago when I moved to Rehoboth Beach from Bethany Beach, Richard helped me. I laughed because at the time he told me that he would go into some of his customers’ homes and they still had everything in the same spot he placed them originally. Well, I just told him the other day that everything is in the same place in my house, as well. I think that’s a compliment, really.
J. Conn Scott’s employees let you walk around their showroom at peace. Need help? Then, they are there to help you with your choices and decorating needs.
You might not think you need a decorator. I think some are a bit intimidating. But, they can actually save you money in the long run. A decorator has more experience and could prevent you from making costly mistakes. Decorators have put together so many rooms; probably more so than you. Therefore, their experience is invaluable. Some times it can be the difference between a pretty room and a room that will make people’s jaws drop. In the end, it will be how comfortable you are in making choices.
Let me show you what this Showroom is all about:
I have just shown you part of this 35,000 square foot showroom. It is pretty impressive and to get the full effect, you really have to visit the store.
Richard told me that so many items are coming in every day. They deliver; you just have to tell them where.
Have a great day…..and week-end too….
May 15th, 2010
That’s right, I think you guessed it. This post is for women only, maybe….
Along the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland you will find so many shops. Some of us have our favorites. What makes us go back to that particular one?
I like shopping in smaller shops vs. a big department store. That is just a matter of taste. A boutique for me is perfect. It is the French word for “shop”. Boutiques usually specialize in fashionable items such as clothing and jewelry.
Aqua Marine is a boutique located in Lewes, Delaware. The address is 114 Second St. Tel. 302-644-4550. The owner? Maureen Botti.
Second Street in Lewes is really the Main Street. It is the life of the town. From that street, other side streets branch out. Perfect shopping town since you can walk everywhere.
Maureen has been in business since 2006, but, a few months ago she moved to this location. Actually, this building dates from the early 1900’s and originally used to be the Hardware store owned by the Vessel family. How I know this? Well, when I talk about Lewes, I always say that the residents of this town know their history and preservation is always on their mind. After I left Aqua Marine, I saw one of those residents. During a cup of coffee he told me about the building. Great coffee at Notting Hill, by the way.
Aqua Marine is beautiful inside. Hardwood floors and cabinetry. Maureen was busy. Clothes were arriving just in time for the season and all of us, customers, were coming at the same time.
That did not matter because Maureen is the type of proprietor that is able to accommodate everyone with ease. Customers are so fastidious. I think more now than ever. Maureen has been able, since she started her business, to make a good impression and customers keep coming back.
You know what is great about Maureen? She remembers her customers’ names. It is like she has built a relationship; the feel of trust and comfort. There is an understanding between her and her customers. I saw her in action, while I was there. She listens to us and we get to know her personally. I met her mother, who was helping in the store. Maureen knows her designs well and encourages her customers to try new things.
Aqua Marine has stylish clothing, perfect for that casual atmosphere of the beaches. Yes, definitely, this store has year-round clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories to kick back in our resort towns.
Maureen told me that her devoted fashionistas range in ages from, as young as, 13 to 92. Sizes range from the very small (oh, well) to larger sizes. There is a wide range of prices, as well.
She has different lines that are well represented in the store, but two of them caught my attention:
Trina Turk - She is from California and her line is inspired by a multicultural mix. It combines the architecture and landscape of Los Angeles and California. Her designs are full of the season’s most casually sophisticated and “must have” silhouttes.
Beija-Flor – Jeans from Brasil. Always looking for that perfect bathing suit? Well, the same goes for jeans. This company says that the search for the perfect jeans is over.
This is a mother and daughter team that is targetting the “modern woman” whether she’s 22 or 52. The jeans are stylish, unique and fit great. I tried them and it is true. Maureen told me she cannot keep them in. The jeans have curve friendly patterns, colors, stitching and details.
Even though this is really a women’s boutique, men should not be intimidated to come in and buy something for that significant other. Trust me, Maureen will take care of you with ease.
I am sure I will be talking to you soon….It is really a gorgeous day in the Delmarva Peninsula…..Kick back and relax.
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